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Are Your Guest Speakers Ready to Be Guest Speakers?
Training an event speaker is always a good idea
Tricia Richards-Service, PhD
October 29, 2024
4 Min Read
At a recent conference, the presenting sponsor’s representative stepped to the microphone as the audience settled into a state of hushed expectation. It was the kick-off for a day-long conference, and adrenaline and caffeine were still pumping through everyone’s veins. Attendees were ready for an enthusiastic start to the conference.
The sponsoring company’s representative began with an unfortunate political joke. By definition, it wasn’t actually a joke, because no one found it funny. Rather than laughter, an uncomfortable silence filled the room. Attempting to regain control of the event and the mood, the speaker began to nervously ramble, destroying an opportunity to infuse the conference with positivity.
Frequently, events often include untrained, unprepared guest speakers who were asked to introduce sessions while representing their organizations. While these opportunities offer valuable exposure for both the sponsor and the speaker, they don’t always go as planned. A brief public speaking training session prior to the event can make a significant difference, ensuring that the speakers deliver a compelling and professional introduction.
Benefits of a public speaking training session
There are several reasons to train a guest speaker, including:
Enhance speaker confidence: Public speaking can be intimidating, even for seasoned professionals. A quick training session helps boost the speakers’ confidence by providing them with essential tools and techniques to manage their nerves and project authority.
Improve clarity and effectiveness: Training helps speakers clarify their message, organize their thoughts, and present information appropriately.
Align with event goals: Sponsors often want their brand to be represented in a specific light. Quick training ensures that the guest speakers understand the event's theme and the sponsor’s key messages, allowing them to tailor their remarks accordingly.
Reduce the risk of common pitfalls: Without proper guidance, speakers might ramble, lose focus, or mispronounce names and terms. A brief training session can address these common pitfalls and provide strategies to avoid them, leading to a smoother and more polished presentation.
Offer a quick training overview or refresher
A quick public speaking training session doesn’t need to be time-consuming to be effective. Here’s a structured approach to delivering an impactful overview:
Cover public speaking basics: Begin by covering the essentials of effective public speaking: body language, eye contact, and vocal modulation. Emphasize the need for a strong opening to grab the audience’s attention; clear and organized main points; and a memorable closing to leave a lasting impression.
Understanding the audience and event goals: Guide the speakers on how to connect with the audience by understanding their interests and expectations. Explain the event’s purpose and the audience’s demographics. This knowledge helps the speakers tailor their message to resonate with the audience, making their introduction more relevant and impactful.
Crafting the message: Event planners are wise to ask for a preview of the individual’s remarks and help tailor them to suit the event theme, message, objectives, and audience. Remind speakers to time their presentations to match the allotted time.
Practice and feedback: Allow the speakers to practice their introduction in front of a small audience or record themselves. Offer constructive feedback on their delivery, including tips on improving pacing, tone, and body language.
Handling nervousness: If the speakers are nervous, assure them that it’s normal to feel anxious, and that the key is to channel that energy into delivering a powerful introduction.
Technical considerations: Prior to the event, brief the speakers on any technical aspects of the event, such as microphone usage, presentation equipment, or timing cues. Ensuring that they are familiar with these elements helps prevent technical issues and allows the speaker to focus on their message.
Incorporating a brief public speaking training session for guest speakers before an event can significantly enhance the quality of their presentations. Providing a focused and practical overview not only helps in overcoming common speaking challenges but also ensures that the event starts on a positive note, setting the stage for a successful and impactful gathering.
Tricia Richards-Service, PhD has more than 20 years’ experience as a communication professional. She is the founder and owner of I Need A Speaker, an online platform that connects qualified speakers at all price points with the people who want to book them. Tricia earned a bachelor of arts degree in communications/journalism, a master’s degree in healthcare administration, and a doctorate in strategic leadership and business administration with a focus on health promotion. She is a two-time Fulbright grantee who has conducted research through Trinity College Dublin (Dublin, Ireland) and the University of Economic Studies (Bucharest, Romania). Her work has won multiple awards. She resides in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
